Decorating with a Birdcage | Family Economics

By Cathe

I enjoy creating little vignettes around my home. One of my favorite pieces to use is a flea market birdcage that I move around the house on a whim. Like popular decorative glass domes, a birdcage acts as a three dimensional shadow box and provides a unique twist to otherwise simple décor items.

You can find small vintage birdcages at flea markets, estate sales or through online auctions and stores. Look for cages that lift entirely from their base and be certain to clean well before using. Keep it shabby, create a vintage looking or spruce up by spray painting the wire and tray with a color that coordinates with your décor.

Here are some fun ideas for using a birdcage in your home:

• Stack small vintage books and collectables inside
• Dangle or prop a large flash card, postcard or book illustration featuring a beautiful bird
• Place a small potted plant within the cage for indoor or outdoor display
• Cover the bottom with Spanish moss and add a colorful fresh or silk flower arrangement
• During the holidays, add evergreen and pinecones
• Display an arrangement of small framed family photos
• Use tiny wooden clothespins to attach photos all around the outside of the cage
• Layer chocolates or other stackable treats on a paper doily for a dinner party
• Arrange dollhouse furniture inside to simulate a room
• Fill with colorful glass ball ornaments during the holidays
• Stack ribbon-tied letters and greeting cards from someone special

What are your ideas for displaying birdcages?